Sunday, 26 June 2011

When I first met our client, Esther, she told me she had some sari fabric she had bought on a trip some years ago and would like to use it somewhere within her wedding dress.

The sari had panels of plain, small floral detail print and finally a boarder of a dense, floral type pattern.

To enable the design to work with the sari fabric, we decided to use it as a 'knot' effect over the bodice. The sari had similar properties to Habotai silk, a very light fabric.

We chose a beautiful 100% silk taffeta to compliment the delicate colour of the sari.

To enable the knot detail to tie in with the rest of the gown, we ruched the back and added the delicate button fastening.

As the sari had sentimental value to Esther, we used the more patterned panel to line the inner corselette so the fabric would be close to her heart.

Button detail.

We also made a veil for Esther, but had difficulty in deciding whether it should be long or hip length. Both looked amazing, but as the church was very small, Esther opted for the shorter length as it was less dramatic.

Esther in her beautiful wedding gown.

The walk from Esthers home to the church in Somerset.

Esther sent us this message.

"Hi Linda,we're back home now and still floating from the excitment of the wedding and honeymoon and both had a wonderful time at each! It really is the best thing you can do - get married I mean, and it really does make you feel different!I wanted to say a big thank you and to let you know how happy I was with my dress. I felt very special indeed; elegant, sophisticated and unique. Most of all, I felt like me! Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism you put into every stage of the process. The result - my beautiful wedding dress!Wishing you luck with future Dresses at No. 9 developments - you deserve every success.Best wishesMrs Esther Veale x"

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

I'm a bespoke dressmaker and I love all things bridal, so when the offer of selling this little beauty came up, I jumped at the chance.

I can tell you this is genuine. I remember the gown when I worked at Pronuptia back in the 80's. The gown aptly called 'Chantilly' was at the top end of the wedding gowns the salon stocked and looking at it now it retains it's beauty, elegance and timesless style.

It really needs very little re-styling!

The bodice and skirt are made from satin. The chantilly lace skirt falls into a small train. The style is very befitting of the recent choice of gown Kate Middleton wore to marry her prince.

It has button back detail with lace covered buttons at the wrist.

It would comfortably fit a size 10 with adequate seam allowance to be let out. The colour is white.

The gown is complimented with a full length veil supplied by us and a side tiara, 'Vintage' by HF Couture.

If you are interested in trying this truly beautiful vintage wedding gown, please do get in touch.

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

This was the parting words of our lovely bride, Jane who married recently.

She had trawled endless shops looking for something which would cover her shoulders and arms and became increasingly disheartened when all that seemed to be on offer was strapless.

"Just go for a bolero" was one suggestion. But Jane didn't want that, so came to No 9.

Jane's theme was yellow and white with small butterflies. Her gown was a simple style made from 100% silk dupion with an addition of some corsetry inside to give her some support.

Jane didn't like having her photo taken, but felt comfortable and every inch the bride. Her groom thought she looked beautiful and for her, that was the main thing.

A message from Jane.

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the work you have put in on my lovely dress. I have had so much fun winding him up that it was mega short or covered in 'bling' that it should come as a surprise.

I feel truly elegant in the dress which is just what I wanted- so thank you!"

About Me

Lover of tea served in a vintage cup and saucer, cupcakes and sparkly, pretty things. Have been known to drag Mr. D around all the wedding fairs and have recently educated him with the differences between silk, satin, organza and chiffon. Wishes he was nifty with a thimble!